Precautions for prevention and control of the transmission of infectious disiases and resistant microrganismos in a pediatrics unit

Abstract

In order to prevent and control the spreading of infectious and contagious diseases and multi-resistant bacteria in hospital settings, measures are adopted beyond the standard measures, according to the means of transmission. This study monitored patients and defined behaviors for the prevention and control in a pediatric ward of a teaching hospital from January to April 2004. All patients were monitored for infectious-contagious diseases or colonization by multiresistant bacteria. Eighty-six patients were indicated for precautions, of which 93% due to possible or confirmed multiresistant bacteria, with, respectively, 5 and 27 days average stay. Only 6 patients had infectious-contagious diseases. The results showed an increase in the number of patients with multiresistant bacteria, with a predominance of gram-negative bacteria. This shows the need for educational measures for health workers, children, parents and visitors with a clear definition of their responsibilities in the healthcare process.